MICADO

Multi-AO Imaging Camera for Deep Observations

MICADO, or the Multi-Adaptive Optics Imaging Camera for Deep Observations, is one of the first-light instruments for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) instrument and takes the Adaptive Optics technique to the next level. It will be the first dedicated imaging camera for the ELT and works with the multi-conjugate adaptive optics module, MAORY.

MICADO will equip the ELT with a first light capability for diffraction limited imaging at near-infrared wavelengths. The design of MICADO (Multi-AO Imaging Camera for Deep Observations) was driven by a desire for high sensitivity and resolution, astrometric accuracy, and wide wavelength coverage spectroscopy.

MICADO will allow the full resolution potential of the giant telescope to be brought to bear on many current areas of research. These include imaging the detailed structure of galaxies at high redshift, the study of individual stars in nearby galaxies, and, using its coronographic mode, the discovery and characterisation of exoplanets. MICADO will also be a uniquely powerful tool for exploring environments where gravitational forces are extremely strong, such as close to the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy, the Milky Way.

In addition to its primary imaging role, MICADO also includes a single-slit spectrograph ideal for obtaining spectra of compact objects. It will also be a powerful tool in many areas of astronomy, such as measuring the masses of the central black holes of nearby galaxies from the velocities of their stars, and observing high-redshift galaxies to calculate their ages, chemical makeup and histories. The instrument will also obtain spectra of supernovae produced by the first generation of massive stars in the Universe.

ESO supports the development of the MICADO instrument as an associate consortium member. It is responsible for two key areas: development and procurement of the science detector systems and the design of the adaptive optics wave front sensing and guide camera system with its associated real-time computer. Both activities are carried by ESO for all ELT instrumentation projects.

In addition ESO is responsible for and manages the crucial interface between the MICADO science instrument and the multi-conjugate adaptive optics instrument MAORY.